YearToAvoid

2017 Audi S7 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

73/100

#4 most-complained of 12 S7 years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2017 Audi S7 has a Complaint Index of 73, ranking 4th worst of 12 model years, with a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 5 complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 injury for this year, with electrical, engine, and steering issues most reported.

Complaints
5
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
21
17 city / 27 hwy

Top 2017 Audi S7 problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System2 (40%)
  2. Engine2 (40%)
  3. Steering2 (40%)
  4. Brakes1 (20%)
  5. Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (20%)
  6. Lane Departure1 (20%)
  7. Transmission & Powertrain1 (20%)
  8. Visibility & Wipers1 (20%)

What owners report

  • Sunroof shattered suddenly while driving at 60 mph, with the vehicle owner told it was likely struck by an object, at a median mileage of 10,000 miles.
  • Both turbochargers failed at the same time, causing sudden loss of steering and brakes at a median mileage of 36,000 miles.
  • Dashboard lit up with warning lights while driving on the freeway, followed by a burning smell and an extremely hot battery negative terminal traced to the starter.
  • Transmission cut out repeatedly with warning messages, causing stalling and loss of power in the middle of driving, along with lane assistance warnings.
2017 Audi S7 complaints: complaints filed per month3Oct 2017Feb 2021Jan 2024Apr 2024Dec 2024
11 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2017 to Dec 2024; peak Feb 2021 (3).

2017 Audi S7 recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 22V178000Mar 23, 2022Engine26,093 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.

    Risk: Worn bearings can cause the turbine wheel to contact the turbocharger housing or cause the shaft to break, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.

  2. NHTSA 18V370000Jun 4, 2018Airbags139,249 vehicles

    Air bags:sensor:occupant classification

    Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.

    Risk: If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.

2017 Audi S7 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
17 MPG
Highway
27 MPG
Combined
21 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,800
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Premium
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2017 compared with other S7 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201320142015201620172018202020212022202320242025
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2015No verdict451320
2016Avoid10015221
2017Caution735221
2018No verdict00118
2020No verdict553622

All Audi S7 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Audi S7 reliable?
NHTSA data gives the 2017 Audi S7 a Complaint Index of 73 and a Caution verdict, ranking 4th worst among the 12 model years with data. It has 5 complaints and 2 recalls on file.
What are the main problem areas for the 2017 Audi S7?
NHTSA complaints point to the Electrical System, Engine, and Steering as the top problem areas, each accounting for 40% of reported complaints for this year.
Does the 2017 Audi S7 have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2017 Audi S7: one for a turbocharger oil supply strainer that can become blocked (campaign 22V178000) and one for airbag seat stress/wear (campaign 18V370000). Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2017 Audi S7 compare to other S7 years?
With a Complaint Index of 73, 2017 ranks better than the 2013, 2014, and 2016 model years, which are all rated Avoid with indexes of 91, 82, and 100 respectively, but worse than years like 2015, 2020, and 2021.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.